From left: Rhonda Kiest, President and CEO of Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Lucia Rilling, Norwalk’s First Lady, Sandra Miklave, Board Chair of Stepping Stones Museum for Children enjoy the Friendsgiving festivities held on November 9th in Norwalk. (photo courtesy of Heather Prescott Photography)

NORWALK, CT - Although adults were treated to a fabulous feast at the second annual FriendsGiving event hosted by Stepping Stones Museum, children are the ones who will ultimately benefit from the fantastic fundraiser. More than 120 guests enjoyed the exquisite, Thanksgiving-inspired dinner created by Chef Matthew John on November 9th. Museum supporters helped raise over $100,000 for the nonprofit museum’s Open Arms Accessibility initiative.

“We certainly give thanks for everyone who contributed to the success of this sold-out event!” said Rhonda Kiest, President and CEO of Stepping Stones Museum for Children. “Kudos once again to Event Chair Kristine Granetz and her team for transforming our museum’s Spectacular Spaces into a glorious harvest setting that brought friends together for this crucial program.”
All proceeds will support Stepping Stone’s commitment to ensuring this important educational resource is accessible to every child, family and school regardless of financial, language or special needs barriers. Offering monthly free admission evenings, parent workshops, free traveling exhibits for schools and more, Open Arms reaches more than 45,000 children, caregivers and teachers at an annual cost to the museum of nearly $750,000.

In addition to events like FriendsGiving, members are vital to the continued success of the museum. This holiday season open your child’s world to amazing explorations and discoveries with the gift of a membership. From engaging exhibits to daily classes and performances, there is always something new to experience at Stepping Stones Museum for Children. A family membership actually pays for itself in as little as three visits! Norwalk residents or educators receive 10% off any membership. As an added bonus, a membership is a donation that is partially tax deductible. Memberships start at only $130 and include more than 20 perks ranging from free events to discounted admission at over 100 children’s museums worldwide. Refer a friend and earn two additional months free!

FriendsGiving was made possible by Platinum sponsors Kris and Marc Granetz and the Foster Family Fund, Gold sponsors Pitney Bowes and Marcia Selden Catering and Events, Silver sponsor SMG Corporate Services and Bronze sponsors Fairfield County Bank, the Aiello Foundation and Day Pitney LLP.